The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-10-09

lure the gentleman you speak or wnue,
on the other hand, it may relieve your
father Of suspicion. Will you give 10
Col. Hamilton, my secretary, a full de-
scription OF them-that fuller description
which Capt. Brewster. for reasons best
known TO yourself, was unable to give''
Mistress Thankful hesitated for a mo-
uent. and then, with one OF her truthful
chances AT the commander in-chief, began
a detailed account of the outward sem
blance of the count. Why she began with
him | am unable TO say, but possibly 1t
WAS because IL was easier, for when she
came to describe the baron she was, ! re-
eret 10 say, somewhat vague and ngura-
tive. Not so vague, however, but mat
Col. Hamilton suddenly started up with a
look at his chief, who instantly checked II
with a gesture Of his ruffled hand.
II thank You, Mistress Thankful, y he
SAID quite impassiyely, but did this other
gentleman, this baron
'.PomposO, 80 said Thankful proudly. \
litter originated in the group of ladies by
the window, and became visible on the
fresh face Of Col Hamilton; but the dig
nitied color Of Washington's couutenance
49,
was unmOve'i.
MAY / ask if the baron made an hon
orable tender of his affections 10 YOU, he
continued. with respectful gravity; If
his attentions were known 10 your father,
and were such as honest Mistress Blossom
could receive
Father introduced him to me and
wanted me to be kind 10 him. He-he
kissed me and / slapped his face, ' said
Thankful quickly, with cheeks as red, |
warrant. as the baron's might have been.
The moment the words had escaped her
truthful lips she would have given her
life 10 recall them. TO her establishment,
however, Col. Hamilton laughed outright
and the ladies turned and approached her,
but were checked by a slight gesture from
the otherwise impassiye figure of the gen
eral.
1T is possible, Mistress Thankful. 90 he
resumed with undisturbed c0mposure.
"that one at least OF these gentlemen may
be known 10 MS and that your instincts
may be- correct. At least rest assured
that we shall fully inquire into it and that
your father shall have the benefit of that
inquiry
a. thank your ex~cellency, " said Thank
ul. still reddening under the cOntempla-
ton OF her own late %frankness and retreat
ing toward the door. "I-think-l-must
-gO-nOw. n is late, and / have far 10
ride.
To her surprise, however, Washington
stepped forward. and, again taking her
hands in his. said with a grave smile,
For that very reason. If for no other, you
must be- our guest tonight, Mistress
Thankful Blossom. We still retain u
Nirginian ideas Of hospitality, and are
tyrannOus enough TO make strangers con-
form to them. even though we have but
perchauce the poorest Of entertainment 10
offer them Lady Washington viii not
permit Mistress Thankful Blossom TO
leave her roof tonight until she has par
taken of her courtesy as well rs her coun-
sell
Mistress Thankful Blossom will make
us believe that she has az least in so far
trusted our desire 10 serve her justly by
accepting our poor hospitality Tor a single
night said Lady Washington with a
stately courtesy
Thankful Blossom still stood rresolute-
Is AZ the door. But the next moment a
pair of youthful arms encircled Ger. and
the younger g-entlew0man. looking into her
brown eyes with an honest %frankness
equal 10 her own. said caressingly, Dear
Mistress Thankful. though | am but a
guest in her ladyship's house. let me. /
pray You. add my voice 90 hers. l am
Mistre,, Schuyler. OF Albany. at your
service, Mistress Thankful, a. Col Ham
ilton here will bear me witnc~.. did ! need
any Interpreter To- your honest heart. Be
lleye me. dear Mistress Thankful, ! SYM
pathize with YOU. and only beg you 10
give me- an opportunity tonight 70 serve
you. You will stay, / know, and you will
stay with me: and We shall talk over the
faithlessness of that over jealous Yankee
captain who has proved himself. / doubt
no.. as unworthy OF you ~ he is Of his
country"